[Endocanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy (E-DCR): relevance of materials standardization for outcomes].
OBJECTIVE
After 5 years' experience with endocanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy (E-DCR) using diode laser, the introduction of new materials has led to significant technical differences, thus giving rise to this study to evaluate them.


METHODS
We compare the behaviour of 2 different kinds of laser guide fibre (silica-fluoropolymer-tefzel and silica-silica-polyamide), using the same laser generator, on organic tissues from fresh animal carcases, and we summarize the clinical behaviour of the new materials in lachrymal surgery cases.


RESULTS
We have seen significant differences in the clinical behaviour of the two kinds of laser guides, namely the proposed new materials have a worse behaviour on organic tissues than their physical characteristics might theoretically have suggested. Thus, the use of different guide materials could lead to relevant differences in terms of surgical results, as well as in the comparison of the outcomes of series performed by different surgeons.


CONCLUSIONS
It is necessary to determine standards for the materials recommended for this surgery, not only for easier technical performance and better effectiveness, but also to allow comparison of results from different authors.
Maeso-Riera
José
J
Departamento de láser, Centro Médico Delfos, Barcelona, España. 24024jmr@comb.es
Sellarès-Fabrés
M Teresa
MT
D000818:Animals; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D004867:Equipment Design; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000592:standards*